An Analysis of the Data Privacy and Protection Laws in Nigeria

Data protection and reliability are top priority issues in this digital age. With the advent of new technologies, the need to protect one’s privacy is becoming of ever greater importance. The advent of information technology has created an environment where personal and organizational data can easily be assessed by anyone if they are not properly protected . Besides, the undeniable fact that people’s lives are now becoming woven around continuous exchange of information, and streams of data, means that data protection is gaining importance and moving to the center of the political and institutional system . Thus, most countries have taken a stance on data protection in order to enforce laws, prevent crime and adopt in diplomatic relationship . Moreover, the fundamental right to protection of personal data is recognized at the universal level in various human rights instruments adopted under the aegis of the UN , mostly as an extension of the right to privacy. It is an inalienable human right also guaranteed by the Nigerian. However, the growing subscription of customers to online services offered by the financial, trading and telecommunications companies in Nigeria, as well as the increasing rate of identity theft and other cyber misdemeanors have necessitated the need for data protection legislation that aligned to international standards.